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Discover a realm of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day program. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Dates from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and November 13th.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Dates on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be